The international community is increasingly concerned about the security of the Zaporozhye nuclear power plant in southern Ukraine, where Russian forces are conducting a military offensive. It was bombarded daily through the 6th, with both Ukraine and Russia criticizing each other’s actions. The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) said it “presented a very real risk of a nuclear disaster” and urged all parties to exercise restraint.
The operator, Ukrainian state-owned nuclear company Energoatom, said in a statement that the attacks on the Zaporozhye nuclear power plant took place on the 5th and 6th. On the 6th, a rocket shot landed near a facility that stores spent nuclear fuel, injuring one employee.
The Zaporozhye nuclear power plant has six reactors, making it one of the largest power plants in Europe. It was occupied by Russian forces in early March and continues to be operated by Energoatom under their control. According to the company, a series of attacks prevented a serious situation, but the attacks damaged some radiation dose monitoring systems, making it difficult to quickly detect and respond to abnormalities.
The IAEA has been unable to send experts to ensure safety at the nuclear power plant. Secretary-General Grossi said in a statement on June 6 that he “expresses serious concerns” and emphasized that he would aim to dispatch personnel as soon as possible.
(Source: Nihon Keizai Shimbun)
Today, we assume that this will likely put selling pressure on the EUR. From here, we have just sold to EURUSD.
